Urinary Tract Blockage in Cats - Four Ways to Nurse Your Cat Back to Health

 

Urinary tract blockage in cats can be a painful ordeal for your pet.





 

There are many causes for this condition; it can be caused by stones (similar to us humans), or inflammatory debris and crystals which may develop in the urinary tract. Male cats are more prone to developing this condition, and there are more long-haired breeds affected by it compared to their short-haired cousins.

It's important to get the urinary tract blockage out first. The vet will then run various tests to further look into your animal's condition. Once the test results are out, and the probable cause determined, your vet will start your cat on treatments. Depending on your cat's condition, the doctor may ask that your pet stay in the hospital for a few days for continuous treatment and observation. But when it's time for you to take your pet home, what can you do to ensure that kitty gets well under your watch?

The doctor may have given you specific instructions on administering medication, what kind of food to give your cat, and all the other basic 'medical' stuff you need to look out for. But as your cat's most trusted friend, what should you do to nurse your cat back to health?

1. Follow doctor's orders. This is crucial, and will help prevent relapses. If your cat is on medication or antibiotics, be mindful of the time of administration, and the dosage. If your cat needs to go on a special diet, make sure you follow the special diet. Don't give in to the urge of giving your cat a treat that deviates from the diet prescribed by the doctor. If need be, you'll have to 'force feed' your cat to take in more liquids. This can be done by using a dropper, and don't stop any medication or diet unless the doctor tells you to. Urinary tract infections in cats can recur, and if you're not providing the right kind of care to your recovering cat, you may find yourself back at the vet within two weeks.
2. Provide a stress-free environment. This means leaving your cat alone if it wants to be left alone. Explain to younger family members that your cat is still 'sick' and in recovery, and strenuous activities should be suspended until your kitty is back in perfect shape. Allow your cat to have a quiet place to rest, free from noise and other disturbances. It would be wise not to introduce new pets in the home at this time, as your cat is more susceptible to new diseases at this weakened state. New pets may also provide agitation to kitty, so wait until your cat is back to its old active self before bringing in a new companion.
3. Keep things clean and sanitized. There's a reason why hospitals keep everything around their patients 'clean' and 'sanitized.' The same should be true in a home with a recovering kitty. Make sure that there's fresh, clean water available to your cat at all times. And keep the litter box clean.
4. Go back for checkups. It's great to see your cat slowly coming back to its old happy and healthy self. That means the treatment that your vet prescribed works, and that you've fulfilled your role as responsible cat owner.

Urinary tract infections in cats can be easily addressed especially if detected early. Nurse your cat back to health by following the doctor's orders.

Article by Puneet Aggarwal who is a regular writer on Pet problems.